We bought our first caravan last month and still haven't been out in it. I had to do the b+e test so that was a few weeks wasted as was cancelled due to weather when I got the van. Now work has got in the way for the next couple of weeks. So it will be mid November before we can get out.
Is this too late in the year do you think for trying out the van? I think it would be ideal as it will be quiet and give us a chance to get to grips with the awning etc.
Wife isn't so sure, and a friend with a van thinks I'm mad for even suggesting it.
What do you all think?
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My favourite holiday was February 2010 in the snow, it was wonderful sitting all cosy in the van watching the snowfall plus the sites are quieter without the fair weather caravanners, yes the nights have drawn in but you get some wonderful crisp, clear days.
We leave the heater on about 6 all day and night so it keeps the temperature nice and warm.
I would shelve the idea of putting up the awning on a first use of a caravan, let alone in November where you will be lucky to get a dry pack. It will certainly test the marriage!
Use the van first a couple of times before you hoist in coping with an awning.
wouldn't personally say winter 'vanning is better than any other time of year, as we love 'vanning all year round.
Novembers as good a time as any to try out your new 'van, there are loads of sites open all year, quiter roads and sites etc, only thing in the way could be our unpredictable weather but you can get rained on at any time of year.
only thing stopping us 'vanning later in the year is work, simply can't get time off just now
go for it and enjoy your new 'van ,i say
------------- no tin tent outings booked as yet ,just another cruise in Sept' booked so far
Yes try it, it's a bit different from summer caravanning, especially if it gets into freezing temps, but as long as you're prepared go and have fun.
------------- "I'm a fool for my dogs"
Adopt a rescue, rescue dogs make great pets, don't support puppy farms.
The road can be tough and rough,but what you put in you get back 10 x more.
We have two trips booked for November, if you have heating in your caravan then no problem. if you go on a hard standing pitch and you decide to put up the awning you will need to buy a set of metal rock pegs, maybe give the awning a miss first time out.
when you arrive on site you will be suprised just how many people still use their caravan at this time of year.
See if you can go for the weekend somewhere near to home/ and or whereever you got the van from . If something isn't working or you forgotten something vital it's not such a big deal .
View the first few times as a try out of all the equipment it all takes time but most people on site are only too happy to help if yopu get stuck . Enjoy yopurselves!
PS if you really do want to take your awning, see if you can set it up at home - our new one was hung off the washing line so we could get an idea of how it went up and to colour code the poles . mind you , him indoors insisted on NOT following the instructions so there was the inevitable marital!
I`m looking forward to going to Scotland in Nov. Bad weather in a `van is sooooooo cozy . . . and when ya get outside and the cold hits you . . . healthy healthy healthy (I like to think ha ha)
------------- Peripheral people don`t have as much excitement but they sure live longer
Well good luck to you but my husband is disabled and cold not good for him that why we put our caravan to bed with a breathable winter cover but we are borrowing my brother flat at whitby end of November it is his second home...............
Take the plunge and go.....as others have said I wouldn't bother putting up the awning just go and enjoy and try everything out.
Choose a site with hardstanding and good heated facilities, most caravan club sites include these.
Autumn is a wonderful time to be out in the van with all the fantastic colours and wintertime is great especially when it's frosty or snowing, least at this time of year the weather is more predictable and so we know what clothes to take.
Not all of us use hard standings and sites with heated facilities in the winter. Some of us rally with the C&CC. This weekend and next we are on grass fields. Then at the beginning and end of December we will be on a scholl playground for our pre Christmas and New Year meets - hard standing but no facilities.
I even used to use the tent all year round and have often set that up in the snow.
My little caravan has very poor insulation in her walls (about 1cm thick polystyrene stuff), glass windows (no double glazing) and no heating and I caravan in November.
If possible, book a hard standing pitch with EHU so you can test everything out.
Amazing family weekend with old steam engines, classic car displays, market stalls, and full catering and bar. And camping on site - Save £25 by booking in advance.
Topic: Is it too late?
